School Performance of ‘Godspell’ this weekendCast of Patrician Presentation School's first production of Godspell staged in the Abymill in December 1997 (CLICK TO SEE LARGER VERSION)Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School will perform the musical ‘Godspell’ in the Abymill Theatre on Friday 2nd, Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th December at 8.15pm. The show is produced by Ms Marian Gilpin (Deputy Principal) and promises to live up to the high standard set by the school’s previous productions. A special matinee will take place on Friday afternoon to accommodate students attending local Primary Schools.

Santa Bear AppealThe Annual Santa Bear Appeal in aid of the Central Remedial Clinic will take place from 1st to 11th December and ‘Santa Bears’ will be available for sale in local shops at €2 each. This is a very worthwhile cause and the CRC’s ongoing support and help for affected children and families is invaluable.

To supplement the appeal, the annual ‘Carol Singing’ on the streets of Fethard will take place on Thursday 15th December, commencing at Fethard Town Hall at 7.30pm. All are welcome.

Town aids Tony's battle with cancer (The Nationalist)Tony Sheehan from Fethard, whose family hope to send to Mexico for cancer treatment with the help of a fundraising appeal organised by the local community.

The people of Fethard are coming together in a last ditch attempt to pay for treatment for a popular local man who is battling a life-threatening illness. Former clay pigeon shooting star Tony Sheehan, son of Johnny and Peg Sheehan of St. Patrick's Place in Fethard, returned home from his latest stint in University Hospital, Cork, this week after being told that doctors could do no more to stop his cancer from spreading.

However, Tony's father Johnny told a meeting last Friday that some hope is being offered by a clinic in Mexico, which specialises in alternative treatments for cancer. The cost is high, up to €30,000, and local people are now rallying around in an attempt to help the Sheehan family pay for this treatment.

A committee, chaired by a neighbour of the Sheehan family, Waltie Moloney, has been put in place and a fundraising drive is now getting under way following another meeting last Wednesday.

There was great shock in Fethard when word spread of Tony's illness. The Sheehans are a well-known sporting family, associated with clay pigeon shooting, judo and GAA in the area, and the fundraising committee hopes that their popularity will make a difference when it comes to gathering the necessary money. Tony himself is a former national and international star at clay-pigeon shooting.

"We'll be going around all the big businesses between Fethard and Clonmel and we've opened an account in the bank for people to deposit money into", explained Waltie Moloney to The Nationalist.

"It's a last resort", he pointed out. "In Ireland, there's nothing more they can do for him. But the reaction in Fethard is just unbelievable, everybody wants to help."

Local public representatives have come on board, including Deputy Seamus Healy and Cllr Michael O'Brien who are among the trustees, and Cllrs John Fahey and Susan Meagher.

Events will also be held in the near future, while 1,000 leaflets are being circulated in the community to highlight Tony's plight, and the appeal. Donations can also be made to any committee member: Chairman Waltie Moloney, Secretary Micheál McCormack, Treasurers/Trustees Deputy Seamus Healy, Cllr Michael O'Brien, Jimmy O'Shea, PRO Peggy Colville, Cllr John Fahey, Cllr Susan Meagher, John Sheehan, Paddy Croke, Michael Sheehan, Alfie Brett, Michael Fitzgerald, Ian O'Connor, Denis Burke, Tom Tobin, Connie O'Sullivan, Neilie Hall, David O'Meara, Willie O'Meara, Carmel Rice, David Morrissey, and Anna Cooke.

The bank account number, at the AIB in Fethard, is 01712033, Sort Code 93 53 95.

Community Lotto ‘Extra Christmas Prizes’Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto will have an extra draw for five Christmas Turkeys and five Christmas Hams every week from now up to Christmas, that’s a total of ten extra chances to win a prize, in addition to winning the Jackpot of €10,000 or ‘Match Three’ prizes, or one of the three ‘Lucky Dips’ for €50.

The numbers drawn on Wednesday 30th November were: 9, 10, 11 and 19. We had no Jackpot winner and two ‘Match Three’ winners who received €75 each:Mary Hennessy, Killenaule
Mary Myler, 66 St. Patricks Place, Fethard

Next weeks Jackpot remains at €10,000 and the Jackpot sellers prize is €1,000. Don’t forget that every ticket bought has ten extra chances to win a prize in our ‘Christmas Special’ draw. The weekly draw takes place on Wednesday mornings at 11am in Fethard Day Care Centre, Barrack Street. All are welcome to come along.

St. Vincent de Paul
The closing date has been extended for those requiring the help of St. Vincent de Paul for this Christmas. Please contact any member of the society for an application form and complete same before Wednesday 7th December.

Community 30th Anniversary Dinner Dance in JanuaryFethard Community Council Committee photographed at the official opening of the renovated Tirry Community Centre which took place on the 29th September 1980. Front L to R: Tommy Butler, Fr. Clifford OSA, Jerry Skehan, Tomás Roseingrave, Fr. Noonan, Fr. Stapleton, Austin O'Flynn, Carol Kenny, Peter Colville. Back L to R: Dermot Rice, John Whyte, Sean Spillane, Jimmy Connolly, Gerry Horan, Mick Ahearne, Percy O'Donnell, Tim Slattery (Bank Manager), Michael O'Dwyer. Fethard & Killusty Community Council will celebrated their 30th Anniversay with a special 'Anniversary Dinner Dance' in Fethard Ballroom on Friday 13th January 2006. Tickets available from any member of the committee.Tickets are now on sale for the Fethard & Killusty Community Council’s 30th Anniversary Dinner Dance, which will be held in Fethard Ballroom on Friday night 13th January. Music will be supplied by the big band sound of ‘Opus I’. This promises to be a great occasion for all members of the community. Tickets at €35 each are available at Newport’s Newsagency or from any member of the committee. A ticket could be the ideal ‘Christmas Present’ for someone you know!

The Community Council would like to see all local organisations support this Anniversary Dance to acknowledge the dedicated voluntary work of our Community Council members over the past thirty years.

Information Evening for Urban Renewal ProgrammeFethard has been picked for the participation in the Urban & Village Renewal Scheme 2006. The amount to be spent in each town chosen could amount to €80,000, so public consultation and involvement is important. The planning section of South Tipperary County Council will hold an Information Evening in the Tirry Community Centre on Monday 5th December at 7pm. All are welcome.

Fethard Athletic Club’s Table QuizFethard Athletic Club is holding a table quiz on Thursday 8th December in Fethard Ballroom commencing at 8pm. Entry fee will be €20 per table with at least one adult per table. A raffle will be held during the evening. Refreshments will be served and the committee would welcome all donations of sandwiches, cakes etc on the night.

Everybody is welcome and we will be especially pleased to see all current and former athletes and their families attend. This is the only fundraising event that the club has undertaken this year so please support us in what we hope will be a fun evening for everyone. Any donations or sponsorship please contact Fintan or Mary or any member of the club.

Killusty FC, who are hanging on to top class football by their tips of their fingers, got off to the perfect start when Brian Coen finished an Aidan Fitzgerald centre after just two minutes. Killusty then looked like they might produce that elusive first victory from ten starts when a twenty yard strike from Martin Coen rattled the back of the net after 15 minutes play. But unlike Killusty sides of the past that would have shut up shop they are now prone to let these leads slip and it was no different on this occasion as Peake Villa turned this game on its head before the break. First Cathal Delahunty fired home a left wing cross after 20 minutes and then the Thurles side drew level when Delahunty headed home another centre for his second after 38 minutes. From two goals down Peake Villa then went 3-2 up when Stephen Coppinger scored after 43 minutes.

L to R: Martin Coen (Killusty) and Barry Ryan (Peake Villa).

In a tense second half Killusty put pressure on Peake Villa, but it was looking like the Thurles club might hold on for the three points that would move them clear of the relegation dog-fight but they paid the penalty of defending in depth when Shane Aylward was brought down in the area and Shay Coen with the last kick of the game dispatched the spot-kick to the net to secure a relieved Killusty side another crucial point.

Fethard GAA NewsFethard GAA Club will hold their AGM on Sunday 15th January 2006. Please make a note of the date in your diary.

Our Lotto Jackpot of €3,900 was not won. The numbers drawn in McCarthys Hotel were 4, 13, 14 and 20. We had one ‘match three’ winner who received €150: John Spillane (Killerk). The €50 Lucky Dip winner was: Derek Cuddihy (Woodvale Walk).

History LectureProinsias Ó Drisceoil, a native of Thurles, will give a Lecture on the Diaries of Amhlaoibh Ó Shuilliobháin (Humphrey O'Sullivan) in the Abymill on Tuesday next, 6th December, beginning at 8.30pm. The Diaries were written between 1827 and 1835 when Humphrey was a shopkeeper in Callan Co. Kilkenny, and was also an organizer for ‘The Liberator’ Daniel O'Connell, in the struggle for Catholic Emancipation.

Proinsias has made a detailed study of the diaries and his lecture will give us a good picture of the lives of the Irish middle class of the mid 19th century, which can be regarded as the beginning of the modern Ireland as we now know it.

Proinsias Ó Drisceoil is joint editor, with his wife Mary Ó Drisceoil, of the 2005 Tipperary Historical Journal, which was recently published to great acclaim.

As usual, all and sundry are welcome to attend, the entrance fee is €4 and refreshments will be served following the lecture.

Christmas Bazaar a great successPhotographed at the Fethard and District Day Care Centre Christmas Bazaar are L to R: Thelma Griffith, Mary Danagher and Annie Ryan. CLICK FOR MORE PHOTOSOn Thursday 24th November Fethard and District Day Care Centre held their very popular Christmas Bazaar. There was a great build up to this event, which began after we came back from our summer break. The clients and volunteers made beautiful rugs, dolls, dusters, flower arrangements and many other items for sale on the day. We also received very generous donations from the businesses and people in Fethard for our ‘Monster Raffle’, which this year raised €1,010.

A great crowd attended, from near and far, and the total amount raised on the day was €2,500. This year it was decided that monies raised would go to the Pakistan Relief Fund, so ‘well done’ and a very huge ‘thank you’ to all the clients, volunteers, committee members, staff and everyone who helped to make the day such a success. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.

Photographed at the Fethard and District Day Care Centre Christmas Bazaar are L to R: Mary Grant, Kathy Aylward, Patricia Brett and Mary Fitzgerald.

Preparing for ChristmasAdvent is a time of spiritual preparation to celebrate the real meaning of Christmas. Put some time aside for prayer and personal reflection during this time by joining in an hour of prayer at the Presentation Convent at 8pm on Tuesday evenings. Encourage your family and friends to come along as well. All are welcome.

Community Lotto ‘Extra Christmas Prizes’Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto will have an extra draw for five Christmas Turkeys and five Christmas Hams every week from now up to Christmas, that’s a total of ten extra chances to win a prize, in addition to winning the Jackpot of €10,000 or ‘Match Three’ prizes, or one of the three ‘Lucky Dips’ for €50.

Next weeks Jackpot remains at €10,000 and the Jackpot sellers prize is €1,000. Don’t forget that every ticket bought has ten extra chances to win a prize in our ‘Christmas Special’ draw. The weekly draw takes place on Wednesday mornings at 11am in Fethard Day Care Centre, Barrack Street. All are welcome to come along.

Christmas CardsA selection of Fethard Christmas Cards are currently for sale in local shops. A selection of new Fethard postcards are also available for sale.

‘Battle of the Brains’ Table QuizKillusty Soccer Club will hold their ‘Battle of the Brains’ table quiz on Friday 2nd December in The Well, Burke Street. The quiz starts at 9pm sharp. Committee members are asked to be in The Well at 8.30pm.

Fethard Bridge ClubOn Wednesday 23rd November we played for the Gross Turkey prize and this week we played for the Nett Turkey prize. The results of these two games and the change of partner turkey will be announced on 21st December, our last game before Christmas.

Our Christmas Party will be at Sadel’s Restaurant on Friday, 9th December and we will be playing for Christmas Prizes on Wednesday 7th December. Anyone looking for a partner, please contact Annie O’Brien at 31862.

Parents Association Table QuizThe Parents Association of the Secondary, Fethard, will hold a Table Quiz in the Secondary School Hall on Monday 5th December at 8.30 pm. A Raffle will also be held in conjunction with the Table Quiz. Attractive prizes will be on offer. We wish to thank the various sponsors for their support. Proceeds of this quiz are in aid of school facilities.

A good night’s entertainment is promised, refreshments will be served and an invitation is extended to all. See you there!

South Pacific for CloneenThe Slievenamon Musical Society are busy preparing for their forthcoming show ‘South Pacific’ that will go on stage on December 8, 9, 10 and 11th in Cloneen. Thursday the 8th is family night; tickets will be €10. Other nights €15. For bookings ring (052) 31201 (3-5pm) or (052) 31600 (8.30-10pm). Photographed above is the cast of South Pacific.

With the White HeathersSunday last at Rocklow was somewhat good in parts (like the curate's egg). Foxes were quite plentiful with a few short runs being the feature of the day’s hunting. Scent was quite patchy and foxes, nowadays, seem to get to ground very quickly, which does not help matters.

Hunting news
The Tipperary Foxhounds had a large field of 65 mounted followers from their meet at Moyglass on Saturday 26th November. A fox from the sandpit at Clonbrogan proved a bit of a dodger and could not be persuaded to leave.

Finding down towards Farranaleen, hounds were just settling down when they ran into live electric fencing and Pat decided not to pursue.

Crossing the road, hounds were kept busy throughout the afternoon with followers engaging a few nice circles from Knockinglass and from the old railway line on the Bufanna side.

Kavanaghs of FethardI am researching my ggg grandmother, Catherine Kavanagh. She was baptized in 1811 in the parish of Drangan Cloneen. Parents were Thomas Kavanagh and Mary Ryan. Witnesses were William Maher, and Catherine Kavanagh. I am looking in the Fethard area because I have an elusive distant family member who has posted on the Fethard Website Forum for Catherine Grimes Delehunty (my GGG Grandmother). We don't have all the details, but know that she married Michael Grimes and had at least two sons (Edward born 1832 my GG Grandfather, and William born probably 1834). At some point (either before or after) marrying Michael, she was married to a man named Delehunty, and had other children. We know she was born Catherine Kavanagh. Edward and William went to the USA in about 1850. The Delehunty boys (2) went to Australia. Michael either died or left or was transported on a convict ship in about 1836. We don't know if Catherine ever left Ireland. If you have any information on her or any of these family members, I would really appreciate it. I am finding this search very difficult. Thank you, Pamela Forrest (email: pforrestm@hotmail.com)